13 Rules for a Successful Life in Lighting Design

February 20, 2015

To the Emerging Professional Lighting Designer:

1. You are The Future

The best Lighting Design firms embrace the ideas, energy and enthusiasm of young people. Work at one of these.

2. Education Didn’t End in School

You must continually learn to stay at the forefront of technology, design tools, and professional practice. Read lighting and architecture magazines. Take the LC exam. Attend conferences and take classes. Join the IALD and the IES. Don’t let the world pass you by.

3. Networking is a Key to Advancement

Get to know everyone in the Lighting Design community and allied fields (all ages and experience levels). Don’t underestimate the value of IALD and IES membership and networking opportunities.

4. Voice Your Opinions

The best ideas are never incorporated into projects unless they are heard, presented, and defended. Many processes in firms, and details on projects, can be improved if you simply point out a better solution to decision makers. Principals and clients always appreciate an improvement.

5. Don’t Get Upset by Clients that Think They Know Everything About Lighting

Be patient. Educate and show options to open up thinking. Be a professional. Remember that you were educated as a Lighting Designer (not him/her).

6. Don’t Burn Bridges

The Lighting Design and Architecture worlds are way too small. Your actions and decisions will be remembered.

7. Differentiate Yourself

Develop your unique skills and abilities. Demonstrate how they make you a better employee and contributor.

8. Design Your Career and Position

Continually reflect on your experiences to determine what you really want to do. Make career decisions to attain this position.

9. Build the Profession

Many Architects, Owners, and the general public don’t value (or know) what we do. Teach-Share-Show-Demonstrate to others how we improve the world.

10. Build Community

Few can afford the services of a Lighting Designer. What are you doing to help the rest? Get involved in your community.

11. Mentor

Help teach the next generation. You will learn something in the process, and be reminded why you joined this profession.

12. Never Get Grumpy

Be a positive and optimistic employee. Be inspired by the next generation and harness their optimism and energy.

13. Fix Something

The world is full of problems. Choose one or two things, and fix them.